Book cover of Privateers of the Revolution: War on the New Jersey Coast, 1775-1783

Book description

A revelatory narrative of the 538 Pennsylvania and New Jersey privateers, privately owned ships of war some called pirates. Manned by over 18,000 men, these privateers influenced the fight for American independence. From the halls of Congress to the rough waterfronts of Delaware River and Bay to the remote privateering…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Privateers of the Revolution as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I love that this book is a great way to enjoy a sea story while learning something new. That is, it answers a great, overlooked question of the American Revolution – how did the Colonies keep their economies alive after breaking from England, their major trading partner? 

This hidden gem tells the story of how New Jersey privateers—commercial vessels operating like warships—kept goods flowing to and from the mid-Atlantic colonies while also depriving England of profits from these voyages.

Best of all, however, is that much of this great book reads like a series of rollicking sea stories, with ship…

If you love Privateers of the Revolution...

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

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Can a free-spirited country girl navigate the world of intrigue, illicit affairs, and power-mongering that is the court of Louis XIV—the Sun King--and still keep her head?

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